Colvale trees will not be cut: Ramkrishna Dhavalikar

TNN | Mar 1, 2019, 06:08 IST

Locals claimed that some of these trees are nearly 200 years old.

PANAJI: In view of the protest from citizens to the proposed cutting down of a cluster of five trees traditionally known as ‘Ambeani’ in the village of Colvale for widening of NH 66, transport minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar said that the trees will not be felled. “The developmental works are going on in a big way on the route from Patradevi to Karaswada. People have raised concerns, however, that we are going to cut the trees near Colvale. Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, Union minister Nitin Gadkari and I have saved trees on the Guirim stretch in the past so we will ensure that the trees here will be protected as well,” he said. He also said that felling trees was equal to killing people. “Some of these trees predate our grandparents. For that reason, in no way will we permit the felling of trees. We will not permit anyone to touch those trees, neither engineers nor contractors nor consultants.” Dhavalikar also said that a ‘green side’ will be established near the highway adjoining the new Mandovi bridge. Goencho Awaz, NGO, has thanked the PWD minister for agreeing to save the trees.